 Written by: Maren Meneley In May, students from the University of Kansas embarked on a new, hybrid clinical and experiential study abroad opportunity in both the speech-language pathology and music therapy fields. Four music therapy and 11 speech-language-hearing students spent 10 days in Bulgaria and four days in France. While this wasn’t KU’s first interdisciplinary, therapy-based trip, this was the first to feature music therapy! Maren Meneley, a second-year undergraduate music therapy student, explains what drew her to participate in this opportunity. “I have always wanted to study abroad,” said Meneley. “When I heard about this trip, I knew it was the perfect opportunity for me to not only gain clinical experience before entering into practicum but to be immersed in a new culture.” The students spent the first couple of days in Sofia, Bulgaria. On the first day, they met with individuals from the Bulgarian Music Therapy Association, learned about their approach to using music therapy with different populations, and participated in a few activities led by the Bulgarian music therapists. The next day, the students met with individuals from the Bulgarian Alzheimer’s Association and they shared their perspective of being professionals in the field of memory care. Along with the informational presentations, students also had the opportunity to explore Sofia. “I really loved walking around downtown,” said third-year undergrad music therapy student Kiersten Grant, “and my favorite building was the St. Alexander Nevski Cathedral because of how beautiful it was inside and out.” Graduate music therapy student Grace Park enjoyed visiting and learning about the many ancient churches of Bulgaria. “These visits gave me a deeper understanding of Bulgaria’s cultural heritage and history,” stated Park. “The beauty and peace of these sites made the experience truly memorable.” After spending a few days in Sofia, the group made their way to north-central Bulgaria, where they would be spending the bulk of the trip. They provided interdisciplinary speech-language therapy and music therapy at a children’s home and an elder home in nearby villages. “It was a big adjustment for me to just jump into the clinical work rather than having weeks to plan,” said Meneley. Grace agreed. “I learned a lot about the importance of being flexible and adaptable in clinical settings,” stated Park. “Additionally, I realized how important it is to be open to learning from every interaction, whether it’s with clients, team members or local professionals.” When asked about her favorite part of her clinical work, first-year undergraduate music therapy student Simone Ross brought attention to the impact that music had on the groups the students worked with. “I learned that music therapy has the ability to bring people together no matter what their backgrounds are,” said Ross. “We were able to create memories and unique relationships with the clients that we worked with by bonding through music.” Kiersten touched on the specifics of co-treating with both speech and music therapy. “While working with the speech-language pathology students, we focused on providing intentional music while they focused on the direct communication,” expressed Grant. “We all learned to use each other as a resource because everyone had something different to bring to the table.” When their time in Bulgaria was finished, the group also traveled to Athens to visit historical landmarks like the Parthenon in Acropolis and to Santorini to learn more about the culture of Greece. After spending a few days in Greece, the group made their way back home. “Leaving Europe was very bittersweet,” says Meneley. “I can’t wait to start practicum this year and see how much I have grown not only as a music therapist and a person.” “The opportunity to study abroad was easily one of the best decisions that I think that I will have made in my entire life,” expressed Ross. “Not only did I get the chance to explore a country that I otherwise would never have gotten to, but I got to create new memories and friendships with individuals who also share the desire to help others through their respected specialty.”  
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A Heartfelt Farewell: Celebrating Dr. Jayne Standley’s Contributions and Legacy (July 2024)7/2/2024 Behind the ever-growing field of music therapy are several pioneers who have paved the way for our practice. Among them, Dr. Jayne Standley stands out as the most influential and innovative pioneer of NICU music therapy. Known for her role as a Robert O. Lawson Distinguished Professor at Florida State University and the inventor of the Pacifier Activated Lullaby (PAL), Dr. Standley has become a beacon of inspiration for many in the field. Her exceptional intelligence and innovative contributions have profoundly impacted the communities at Florida State University and the Neonatal Institute for Infant and Child Medical Music Therapy. Dr. Standley has left an indelible mark on the profession, inspiring and supporting countless individuals along the way. As Dr. Standley approaches retirement from Florida State University this year, music therapists across the globe have come together to honor her significant contributions to the field. In a recent edition of Imagine magazine for early childhood music therapy, 70 authors celebrated Dr. Standley's work. The magazine features 180 heartfelt tribute letters, resources, intervention ideas, and research snapshots of current NICU practices, highlighting her dedication and innovative contributions. Additionally, the Evidence-Based Music Therapy for Premature Infants, 3rd edition textbook, published last year, includes contributions from several NICU fellows who are FSU alumni and former students of Dr. Standley. This book illuminates Dr. Standley’s accomplishments, serving as a valuable resource for all current and future music therapists. At the 2024 SER-AMTA conference, attendees had the unique opportunity to receive NICU-MT training from Dr. Standley herself and get their new textbooks signed. Alongside the many tributes from the NICU Institute and the music therapy community honoring Dr. Standley’s work, her FSU family has made sure she feels the impact of her legacy in her final year. Toward the end of spring semester, several doctoral students in the music therapy program at FSU organized a special serenade by the FSU Marching Chiefs—a group Dr. Standley was part of during her time as an FSU student. Faculty, staff, and students all came together for this heartfelt celebration. Following her 10 a.m. class, everyone gathered in the classroom to present Dr. Standley with flowers and kind words. In a touching tribute, they formed a large circle, linked arms, and sang the FSU Alma Mater, celebrating her remarkable contributions and lasting influence. A couple months later, following Dr. Standley’s final class period at FSU, her students came together to celebrate her last day on campus with flowers, a farewell card, and dessert. A little over a year ago, I made the decision to apply to FSU for my master’s degree with the hope of studying under Dr. Standley. I was delighted to find that I had been accepted. All my expectations were exceeded. The support, inspiration and education I received from Dr. Standley during my time at FSU was profound. I am beyond blessed to have had the opportunity to celebrate her during her final year at FSU and contribute to the 2024 edition of the Imagine magazine. She has become a role model for myself and for many. Though there have been many tears shed at the prospect of Dr. Standley’s leaving, we are overcome with joy, appreciation, and immense respect for the legacy she has created. Dr. Standley’s contributions to the field of music therapy will remain an integral part of our profession and live on to inspire current and future generations of music therapists. Written by Hannah Gross, MT-BC, NICU-MT  Dr. Standley's last day at FSU, a celebration following her final class ever! |